763-262-3233

What is ... Early Childhood Family Education?

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a special place for you and your young child.  It’s a place where you can make friends with other parents who have children the same age as yours, share the same concerns, the same joys and challenges that you do.  It’s a place where your child has the opportunity to play with other children in a safe, supportive environment just right for his or her age.  It’s a place where caring staff who understand children and parenting come together with families to support parents and children on their journey.

Besides the new friends and relaxing atmosphere, we have many resources at ECFE.  Our Parent Library has books and videos available for checkout on every aspect of child development from prenatal through the early years.  Our classes are taught by licensed teachers whose first priority is you and your child. Come check us out...see what ECFE has to offer you and your young child!

Fall registration begins:  September 1, 2010

Classes will begin the week of September  20.

 

2 Kinds of ECFE Classes and Play Groups

• Non-Separating Classes
These classes are where parents & children remain in the early childhood classroom together.  All of our infant classes are non-separating, as well as many fun classes for parents and older children.

• Separating Classes
These classes have Parent Discussion and Parent-Child Playtime that include the following format:

Parent-Child Time:  The first 30-40 minutes of each class is parent-child playtime.  The classroom is arranged with a variety of fun activities you will love doing with your child.  Follow your child’s lead as you enjoy activities that encourage parents and children to play together!

Circle Time:  The toys are put away, and parents, children, and teachers join together to sing songs, read stories, or enjoy music and movement activities.

Time for Parents:  Parents separate into their own discussion group in a nearby parent room, and a licensed Parent Educator leads them in a discussion covering the many aspects of raising children. Parents are encouraged to bring ideas to class for  topics they would like to be discussed.  Besides learning about child development, parents discover they are not alone as they become part of a supportive group of new friends with the same joys and concerns.

Time for Children:  While parents are in their discussion group, the children stay in the classroom with a licensed Early Childhood Teacher.  Together they enjoy age-appropriate activities and the opportunity to spend time playing in the early childhood classroom while making new friends.

Closing:  Parents and children come together again for a closing circle as they say good-bye to their friends.

 -- The word “parents” includes all individuals who function in a primary parenting role.

All Grandparents are welcome at ECFE!

How to register for an ECFE Class:

All classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis.  New families may join at anytime.

5 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER

1.  ONLINE (Mastercard / Visa / Discover) click on course catalog...families can easily access ECFE, School Readiness and Community Education class offerings and register for the classes of their choice!

2.  BY FAX
Fill out the registration form including your Mastercard or Visa information and fax it to 763-262-2529...24 hours a day!

3.  IN PERSON
Visit us in the Community Education Services Office, located at Independence Elementary  701 MInnesota Avenue and Enter Door J.  Hours:  M - F   7:00 am - 3:30 pm

4.  MAIL
Mail your registration, check, money order or Mastercard/Visa information to:
    Community Education Services
    Attn: ECFE/SR
    701 Minnesota Avenue
    Big Lake,  MN  55309

5.  PHONE
Call 763-262-3233 for Mastercard or Visa registrations only.  Hours: M-F  7:00 am - 3:30 pm

Early Childhood Family Program Info:

• I mailed in my registration, am I In?
Yes--we will notify you only if the class is full or canceled.

• Ages:
Children must be the appropriate age on the first day of class.  Please enroll each child separately.  If you have questions please contact our office 763-262-3233.

• Payment Information:
Class fees are per family (unless otherwise stated) and must be paid at time of registration.  Families may pay installments of 1/2 at a time for their ECFE classes and Sibling Care.  Please contact our office to set this up.

• ECFE Sliding Fee Scale:

         HOUSEHOLD       ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD GROSS INCOME
              SIZE                        Under                       Under   
                 2                         $18,941                    $26,955
                 3                         $23,803                    $33,874
                 4                         $28,665                    $40,793
                 5                         $33,527                    $47,712
                 6                         $38,389                    $54,631
                 7                         $43,251                    $61,550
                 8                         $48,113                    $68,469

         You pay:                     NO FEE                   1/2 FEE

Find your family size and gross annual income to determine if you pay the full fee, half fee, or no fee.   If your family income is greater than the last column, you pay the full amount.  No one is turned away due to inability to pay!

 

• ECFE Resident Policy
Big Lake school residents have priority if classes fill.  For ECFE classes a surcharge of $15.00 will be added for out of district residents.

• Refunds/Cancellations
Before classes begin, a full refund is issued for cancellations (less a $5 processing fee).  Refunds are not issued for cancellations made after classes start.  Full refunds are issued for a class canceled due to insufficient enrollment. 

• Where do I go?
All ECFE classes are held at:
Independence Elementary
701 Minnesota Ave
Big Lake, MN
Enter door “J”

• ECFE Lending Library
Our Lending Library in the ECFE office area is filled with books for children ages birth through five years old.  There are board books, lift the flap books, picture books, classic hard cover stories, paperbacks, books on tape, Spanish language books, and activity bags for children 0 to 36 months.  We also have a selection of parenting books in our Lending Library, as well as in our parent rooms.   We hope you will enjoy many pleasurable moments of reading, and build a life-long love of reading in your child.  For more information please call our ECFE office 763-262-3233

• Sibling Care:
When you spend quality time with one child, your other children are cared for by ECFE Staff.  Our Sibling Care room is equipped with toys and materials for all age children.  Advance notice is required if you are in need of this service.   Please let us know when registering.

• Need help with transportation to an ECFE Class?
Transportation is available within Big Lake through River Riders on M, T, Th, & F between the hours of 9:15-11:30 AM.  The cost is $2 per person (regardless of age) each way.  Call River Riders at 763-263-0101.

• Help with Challenging Behaviors
Are you almost at the “end of your rope” as a result of some of your child’s behaviors?  Perhaps you are hearing about problems in daycare?  Don’t give up!  Call ECFE at 763-262-7164 to discuss your concern with a licensed Parent Educator.  Besides support, ideas and resources on the phone, ECFE can also provide a free Home Visitor who will observe your child and help you with strategies for understanding and managing your child’s most challenging behaviors.  For help with any parenting concern or question, call 763-262-7164.